Cudahy, CA – The City of Cudahy is pleased to announce that the City Manager George Perez has been honored with the prestigious Associated Administrators of Los Angeles (AALA) Community Volunteer Award.

Cudahy, which already provides a computer lab at Lugo Park, is now enhancing its services to the community by partnering with the Southeast Community Development Corporation.

Mr. Perez was honored at a banquet at a ceremony at the Millennium Biltmore Hotel in downtown Los Angeles on Thursday, May 21, 2009, after being nominated by the Elizabeth Learning Center (ELC) for numerous activities that supported students and administrators at the school. Among the support that ELC cited in its nomination filing were:

• Support in grant writing.
• Arranging for City support via allowing use of gymnasium and park facilities for basketball and softball teams.
• Arranging for classroom space at city facilities for adult education classes.
• Arranging for transportation for ELC educational field trips.
• Collaboration is creation of school safety plans.

"I am honored to have been nominated and I want to thank the Elizabeth Learning Center and AALA for thinking of me," said Mr. Perez. "However, I would like to say that my efforts only succeed thanks to working together and thanks to the energetic work and commitment of the entire City staff, which support all the schools of Cudahy. We believe that helping our schools helps our community -- which is a reward unto itself."

The City and the community congratulate and thank Mr. Perez for his leadership and long-standing service to the community!

CUDAHY, CA (JUNE 29, 2010) – On behalf of the City Council of Cudahy, City Manager George Perez announced today that The Los Angeles County Sherriff's Department will assume police services in the City of Cudahy effective July 1, 2010.

With the previous police service provider unable to fulfill its commitment, the City Council acted proactively to ensure safety and police coverage were provided uninterrupted. In fact, the new agreement with the Sherriff’s Department adds additional coverage and patrols from previous contracts.
All emergency calls will remain the same:

• Dial 911 for emergencies only.
• Regular service calls Dial 323-264-4151

"We want to assure all residents that it is of the utmost importance that we provide the best law enforcement protection for all residents," said Mr. Perez. Cudahy residents that have any questions regarding this important matter are encouraged and invited to call either the City Council or Mr. Perez at (323) 773-5143.

IMPROVEMENTS TO 710 FREEWAY WILL CAUSE DETOURS FOR CUDAHY ACCESS ON WEEKEND NIGHTS AUG. 13 – OCT. 11

CUDAHY, CA. – The City of Cudahy would like to let residents and visitors know that Interstate Freeway 710, known as the Long Beach Freeway and the closest freeway near Cudahy, will be closing south of the city on the nights of eight consecutive weekends from August 13 to October 11, 2010. If you plan to be driving at that time, we encourage you to plan for detours and extra travel time in order to be safe.

The closures will be from Firestone Boulevard to the 105 freeway (Glenn Anderson Freeway) and will include the Florence Avenue and Firestone Boulevard ramps.

The work is part of the "I-710 Long Life Pavement Rehabilitation Project" intended to rehabilitate the older old pavement between the 405 and 5 freeways and provide the roadway with several decades of improved pavement and a smoother ride for the traveling public.
The closures will occur twice during each weekend:

• Fridays at 11:45 p.m. until Saturdays at 6 a.m.
• Sundays at 11 p.m. until Mondays at 5 a.m.

The dates of the closures are:

August 13-16		September 10-13		October 1-4
August 20-23		September 17-20		October 8-11
August 27-30		September 27-27

Please note that there will not be any closures or work on the freeway during the Labor Day Weekend of September 3-6.
The extended weekend closures begin on Friday nights to install moveable median barriers. When the freeway re-opens to traffic on Saturdays at 6 a.m., the median barriers will guide all motorists to shift to the northbound side of the freeway so that the construction crew can work safely on the southbound side of the freeway. On Sundays at 11 p.m., the freeway will close again to remove the temporary moveable median barriers in time for Monday morning commuters.

In the redirected traffic areas, speed limits will be reduced to 45 mph and no oversized loads will be permitted on this section due to narrow lanes (trucks are advised to use Garfield Avenue).

Closed northbound on-ramps: Rosecrans Avenue and Imperial Highway.

Closed southbound on-ramps: Florence Avenue, Firestone Boulevard and Imperial Hwy.

Closed Freeway Connectors: Eastbound and westbound 105 to northbound 710.

For more information, including detour maps, please visit: www.dot.ca.gov/dist07/travel/projects/710

CUDAHY, CA (June 29, 2010) – The Elizabeth Learning Center (ELC) in the City of Cudahy has announced that it will host Summer Programs for elementary and middle school students. The City of Cudahy is a supporter of these programs.

The "Summer With Youth Services Plus at ELC" is an enrichment and physical fitness activity program for students kindergarten through 12th grade. The program is from noon to 6 p.m. and runs July 1 through August 27, 2010. An application for the program is at the ELC offices or via Mr. Mendieta or Ms. Torres-Ring.

Also, the "Community Feed at ELC" program is open to all kids ages 1-18 in the community. The program is from 12:30 p.m. to 1:20 p.m. and runs July 1 through August 27, 2010.

Summer Classes are available for students from kindergarten through high school via the ELC Summer Transition Bridge Program and the Maywood Academy. Classes run from 8 a.m. to noon and start July 12 (last day of class is August 6 or 13th, depending on the class). Students are eligible to take an Adult School/Summer School class at “The Maywood Academy” only if taken previously and if received a grade of D or fail.

Sixth Grade students should take advantage of a special orientation designed specifically for them on August 6. Freshman orientation will be from Aug. 9 – 13.

For more information or an application for the programs, please check at the ELC offices or via Mr. Mendieta or Ms. Torres-Ring.

Cudahy, CA – The City Council of the City of Cudahy has instructed its staff and legal representation to end negotiations with the City of Maywood regarding a proposed new agreement for Municipal Law Enforcement Services. Cudahy has contracted with the City of Maywood for these services since January of 2004 and the existing contract expires on December 31, 2010.

"The council will ensure that our residents have the best, continuous police services available", said Cudahy Mayor Frank Gurule. "However, our negotiations with Maywood could not guarantee continuous services and it has become obvious that their situation is tenuous. In fact, Maywood officials have suggested that they might be unable to fulfill their current contract obligations, therefore we have instructed the City Manager to explore options and seek proposals from other law enforcement agencies to ensure continuous service".

Negotiations have been hampered by a variety of issues, including proposed early termination provisions by Maywood, changeover in Maywood's City Manager position during negotiations, plus the possibilities that the city and department may lose membership in the JPIA (Joint Powers of Insurance Agency) and that Maywood's financial situation could adversely impact services for Cudahy.

CUDAHY, CA (May 10, 2010) – The Community Services Department of the City of Cudahy announced today that registration for the city's popular summer soccer recreation league has been extended. However, space is limited and registration will close when all the paces have been filled. Those interested in participating are encouraged to register right away to have the best chance of assuring a spot in the league.

The league is open to Cudahy residents ($25 registration fee) as well as non-residents ($35) and proof of age and school grade is required. Please call (323) 773-5143 extension 233 for more information and registration assistance.

CUDAHY, CA (May 10, 2010) – With only six months until its 50th Anniversary of incorporation, The City of Cudahy is unveiling an anniversary logo to commemorate this special year.

The logo, which reflects the traditional City logo compass and California Bear, adds a "50th Anniversary" in the center. The log will be used on a variety of City materials and promotions to help remind residents, friends and neighbors of the rich history of the area that is intertwined with the history of the region. Cudahy was incorporated on Nov. 10, 1960.

The Cudahy City Council has been developing a 50th anniversary commemoration that not only celebrates what Cudahy offers its residents and businesses today, but recognizes the contributions to community-building made by original incorporators and the Cudahy residents who formed a new city.

Also, the city is inviting residents to tell their stories; Residents, young and old, are being asked to prepare personal reflections of their favorite memories and stories of life in Cudahy. A schools project is also being planned so that Cudahy kids can write essays for the display at City facilities and for publication. Selected essays will be reprinted in the Cudahy News and other publications throughout the 50th anniversary year, plus selected stories will be available online at the city website.

Please check the City website for more news about 50th Anniversary events.

CUDAHY, CA (May 10, 2010) – As part of the City of Cudahy's overall Healthy City Initiative, a "Computer Literacy Initiative" is kicking off this spring to help residents and students become more proficient and efficient with computers. Computers can affect your health; For children, effective computer instruction can help improve skills for school and eventually jobs – both of which are indicators for improved overall health. For those who are linguistically isolated or perhaps isolated because of age and disabilities, computer literacy is a key component for improved mental health and access to assistance.

Cudahy, which already provides a computer lab at Lugo Park, is now enhancing its services to the community by partnering with the Southeast Community Development Corporation.

The project will bring a Mobile Technology Center – which looks much like a high-tech RV on the outside but is a high-tech classroom on the inside – to Cudahy's Lugo Park every Tuesday in May and June for classes. People can then take what they have learned and use the free-access computers at Lugo Park and at the Cudahy Library.

"We believe that this project, in partnership with the Southeast Community Development Corporation, will work perfectly in tandem with our Computer Lab at Lugo Park to help residents become computer-savvy and improve their quality of life", said Cudahy Mayor Frank Gurule. "The internet is a great tool and it will increase access to educational and health-related information, employment search and preparation, accessing health and human services … and of course the city website!"

The class schedule includes:

• Open Lab at 2 p.m. for kids to get help with homework and to learn how to properly explore the internet.
• Youth Computer Class (4th - 7th grade) at 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. for computer skills to help with school and life skills.
• A “Leamos” Class at 6:30 p.m. for adults to learn and improve basic reading and computer skills in Spanish.

The Southeast Community Development Corporation is a community and economic development nonprofit organization focused on improving the living standards of children and adults in Southeast Los Angeles County.

CUDAHY, CA (May 18, 2010) – The City of Cudahy is proud to announce that one of the community's best resources – Ms. Emerita Elizondo – is joining the staff for Special Projects and as a Community Liaison.

Ms. Elizondo comes to the City after working with the Los Angeles Unified School District for17 years, including working as a teacher, a family center director, a guidance counselor, pupil services, attendance counselor and secondary administrator. She also worked as the Director of the City of Cudahy and Elizabeth Learning Center First Five Grant. She has touched the lives of so many people in the city as a result of working so many years at the Elizabeth Learning Center.

"I have always loved this community and now I am so happy to work with the City of Cudahy and be able to again help and be a part of something special", said Ms. Elizondo, who retired from LAUSD in 2009. "This city puts the community first and I am honored to have the opportunity to work with such dedicated leadership and staff".

Ms. Elizondo, who goes by "Emi", welcomes ideas and feedback from the community and will work on special projects, such as the 50th Anniversary celebration of Cudahy's incorporation as a city.

CUDAHY, CA (May 10, 2010) – Thanks in part to the quality rainfall over the winter months, experts are warning against a large outbreak of West Nile Virus (or "WNV"). WVN can be deadly to children and elderly and the most common way to be infected is by a mosquito bite.

Since The City of Cudahy is adjacent to the Los Angeles River, there is always the possibility that mosquitoes can breed there. However, there is probably a much greater threat from people's own yards and homes.

The City of Cudahy encourages you to follow the safety tips mentioned below to reduce mosquitoes and the chance that this sometimes-fatal virus could infect you, or someone you know. It's a fact that most Californians that are bitten by mosquitoes at their house unknowingly grew the mosquitoes in their yard. Most people cannot believe how little water it takes for mosquitoes to grow and develop in!

Also, remember that mosquitoes are most active in both the morning (as the temperature warms up) and in the late afternoon/early evening (as the temperature cools down). Wear long sleeves and long pants at these times to help reduce skin that may be exposed to mosquitoes.

Other important tips:

1. Get Rid of Any Non-Flowing Water
   Mosquitoes need standing water to lay their eggs in and to develop into full-grown mosquitoes – the same ones which will be biting you when you are outside.
   
   Do a complete search of your yard and grounds to insure you have no standing water. Typical things you can do to help yourself:
    - If you have open trash cans, empty them and either put a lid on them or turn upside down to keep water out. It only takes a little water for them to lay in so be sure you turn over and empty all containers.
    - Be sure all your gutters are drained, clean and dry.>
    - If you have containers of water that you cannot empty – such as a pond, pool, hot-tub or very large bird bath – simply add a couple of squirts of dish washing detergent to the water. It will stop the development of the mosquitoes and they will not develop into adults.
    - Other places to look for water that you will want to drain are in old tires, tarps, barbecues, old cars, clogged drains, wagons and plumbing items that are not in use and stored outside (such as sinks, toilets, etc.)>
   
   
2. Some Plants And Flowers Have Odors That Mosquitoes Don’t Like:
    - Oleander (bush)
    - Rosemary (herb)
    - Wild mint (herb – often referred to as horsemint)
    - Marigolds (flower)
3. Household Items In Your Medicine Cabinet Or Laundry Cabinet Can Help:  - Mosquito repellant with DEET (use only as instructed)
    - Fabric softeners: It might look odd, but you can attach a couple of sheets of fabric softener to your clothing (use a brand that contains oleander in it) to keep mosquitoes away when you are in your garden or yard. Also, if your clothing has just been dried in the dryer with the fabric softener, then that can help repel mosquitos.
    - Vapor rub: just rub on your exposed skin (keep way from eyes, your mouth and any sores or open wounds).
    - Antiseptic mouthwash: rub it on your exposed skin (keep away from eyes).
    - Hair spray: When applied to a mosquito bite it can help reduce the itching and pain.  - Lemon eucalyptus oil: The Center for Disease Control (CDC) counts this as among the most effective insect
   repellents in areas where the West Nile virus has been reported. In fact, pure eucalyptus oil has been shown in studies to be as effective in repelling mosquitoes as commercial products containing up to 15% DEET. Just rub onto your skin that is exposed when you will be in areas that have mosquitoes (keep away from eyes and mouth and test on a small part of your forearm because some people are allergic).

If you or someone gets bit and starts having flu-like symptoms, call a doctor right away. If the person is elderly or very young, you should see a health care professional at the first sign of a reaction to the mosquito bite.

For more information call the Greater Los Angeles Vector Control District: (562) 944-9656.

Do you need help to prepare your tax filings? State and Federal taxes are due to be filed on April 15, 2010, and there are several nonprofit agencies that can assist you for free or for a nominal fee.

Here is a quick look at the programs that might help you file correctly and on time:

The VITA Program (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program)

The VITA Program offers free tax help to low-to moderate-income (generally, $49,000 and below) people who cannot prepare their own tax returns. Certified volunteers sponsored by various organizations receive training to help prepare basic tax returns in communities across the country.

VITA sites are generally located at community and neighborhood centers, libraries, schools, shopping malls, and other convenient locations.
Most locations also offer free electronic filing. To locate the nearest VITA site, call 1-800-906-9887 or check this partial VITA site list (http://www.irs.gov/individuals/article/0,,id=219156,00.html) online. (This list does not include every VITA site.)

Items you will need to bring to the VITA sites to have your tax returns prepared:

• Proof of identification.
• Social Security Cards for you, your spouse and dependents and/or a Social Security Number verification letter issued by the Social Security Administration.
• Birth dates for you, your spouse and dependents on the tax return.
• Current year's tax package if you received one.
• Wage and earning statement(s) Form W-2, W-2G, 1099-R, from all employers.
• Interest and dividend statements from banks (Forms 1099).
• If available, a copy of last year's federal and state return.
• Bank routing numbers and account numbers for Direct Deposit.
• Total paid for daycare provider and the daycare provider's tax identifying number (the provider's Social Security Number or the provider's business Employer Identification Number).

Note: To file taxes electronically on a married-filing-joint tax return, both spouses must be present to sign the required forms.

Site's near Cudahy include the below. Call to make an appointment:

People's Community Center 8015 Long Beach Blvd., Ste #F South Gate, CA 90280 PH: (323) 826-9440 (Languages: English and Spanish)		South Gate Senior Center 4855 Tweedy Blvd South Gate, CA 90280 PH: (323) 357-9662
Saint Helen Church (United Way Partner) 3170 Firestone Blvd. South Gate, CA 90280 PH: (323) 563-3522		MAOF (United Way Partner) 972 S. Goodrich Blvd. Commerce, CA 90022 PH: 323-890-1555
El Centro de Ayuda Corp. 3467 Whittier Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90023 PH: (323) 265-9228		Norwalk Senior Center 14040 San Antonio Dr. Norwalk, CA 90650 PH: (562) 929-5580
Langley Center 400 W Emerson Ave. Monterey Park, CA 91754 PH: (626) 307-1396		The Barbara J Riley Community Senior Center 7810 Quill Dr. Downey, CA 90242 PH: (562) 904-7223

I-CAN E-File

I-Can E-File is a nonprofit service that allows many people to file their Federal and State taxes online for free. The website is www.icanefile.org. You can generally use I-CAN! E-File unless you (or your spouse, if filing together) are in the military, are a church employee, are a non-resident alien, sold real estate in 2009 or you or your employer have a non-U.S. address.

There are limits of who can use the service so please read their web-page carefully. You should NOT use it if any of the following apply to you (or your spouse, if filing together):

• You do NOT have Social Security Numbers (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers (ITIN) that allow you to work in the U.S.
• (If you are filing a state return) You have lived and/or worked in more than one state during the year.
• You are in the military/
• You are a church employee or clergy member
• You are a non-resident alien (or you were a non-resident alien during any part of 2009)
• Your home address or your employer's address is in another country (including Mexico and Canada)
• You sold a home or any real estate (this does not include foreclosure).
• You have a business OTHER THAN a single sole proprietorship, statutory employee income (W-2 Box 13) and/or independent contractor income (1099-MISC Box 7).
• You have an agreement to split credits, deductions or exemptions for your dependents with someone else.
• You received dependent care benefits (W-2 Box 10) AND you are married filing separately.
• You received dependent care benefits (W-2 Box 10) AND you have income or loss from a business, rental real estate or royalty property.
• You received social security income, have a retirement plan at work AND made IRA contributions.
• You received one or more 1099-R's with a distribution code OTHER THAN 1, 1&8, 2, 2&8, 3, 4, 4&G, 7, or G.
• You received one or more W-2's with a distrubution code of Q, R, T, Y or Z.
• You received non-gaming tribal revenue.
• You have a SEP (Simplified Employee Pension) or SIMPLE (Savings Incentive Match Plan for Employees of Small Employers).
• You made contributions to or received distributions from an Archer MSA or MA MSA.
• You are in a registered domestic partnership and you want to file in California.
• You want to take a deduction of more than $500 for a donation of a Motor Vehicle, Boat or Airplane (Form 1098-C).
• You want to deduct a disaster loss.
• You want to file as an injured spouse.
• You want to claim the First-time Home Buyer Credit for 2009, but you purchased your home in 2010.

Because of the scope of I-CAN! E-File, you should NOT use it if you (or your spouse, if filing together) have income or loss from any of the following:

• Business income OTHER THAN from a single sole proprietorship.
• Foreign earned income.
• Farm income.
• Barter income.
• IRA lump sum or rolling distributions.
• Unreported tips from a job for which you received a 1099-MISC rather than a W-2.
• A child's interest or dividends (unless it is the Alaska Permanent Fund Dividend and the child is under age 14 at the end of 2009).

IRS Free File

The Internal Revenue Service offers a free electronic filing service if you earn less than $56,000 annually through the Free File Alliance, which is a cooperative of roughly two dozen tax software firms including H&R Block, TurboTax maker Intuit Inc. and TaxSlayer.com.

To get more information, go to the IRS website at www.irs.gov and click on "Free File." You will be asked whether you want to pick a tax-preparation provider service on your own or have the IRS help you. There are about 19 offerings, but not all are available to everyone. Free File partners can restrict their services by age, state or income. The "Help" link can assist in finding companies that will accept your return.

Important note: While the service provides free federal filing, most people also need to file a state income tax return. Most of the free-file companies will charge $20 to $30 to file your state return. You can save time (but not necessarily money) by purchasing the state tax filing from the company that provides your federal return because the programs typically import your federal information into the state return. Ask about the cost before you start since California offers free electronic filing.

Other Free Tax Services (Simple Returns)

Those who will file "simple returns" (those with wages, are not self-employed or a partnership income, or complex investments, etc.) might be eligible to file Federal Taxes for free with TurboTax and H&R Block as these companies have offered the services in previous years. Check with them to verify if they are offering the program again this year. It is similar to the IRS Free File program, and they also will charge $25-$30 (estimated) if you want them to file your state returns (they will import your state tax information so it is quick, but not free).

Cities like Cudahy prepare for everyday emergencies, but during a major disaster as we've recently seen in Haiti, emergency services can become overwhelmed with the high demand and intensity of calls.

In its on-going efforts to protect residents, the City of Cudahy has initiated a Cudahy-CERT program to build a team of highly-trained citizens who will assist emergency personnel in the event of a major disaster.

The Community Emergency Response Team or CERT, as it is commonly known, is an all-risk, all-hazard training program designed to help citizens protect themselves, their family, their neighbors and neighborhood in emergency situations.

This past January, over thirty Cudahy citizens joined with council members and city staff for a multi-day training that conclude with a mock-emergency scenario held at Lugo Park.

During the CERT training, residents learned to manage utilities and put out small fires, provide basic medical aid, search for and rescue victims safely, organize themselves and spontaneous volunteers to be effective, and collect disaster intelligence to support first responder efforts. A significant part of the training dealt with treating the three medical killers by opening airways, controlling bleeding, and treating for shock.

The CERT program developed after the 1985 Mexico City earthquake that registered a magnitude 8.1 on the Richter scale killing more than 10,000 people and injuring more than 30,000. Although Mexico City had no training program for citizens prior to the disaster, large groups of volunteers organized themselves and performed light search and rescue operations. Volunteers are credited with more than 800 successful rescues; unfortunately, more than 100 of these untrained volunteers died during the 15-day rescue operation.

In contrast, Japan took extensive steps to train entire neighborhood teams in fire suppression, light search and rescue operations, first aid, or evacuation to assist local authorities following major earthquakes.

So in 1985, the first CERT training was developed based on the lessons learned in Mexico City and Japan.

Training is available free throughout Los Angeles County, and citizens interested in becoming CERT trained should contact Cudahy City Hall for more information.

The U.S. Census is important to Cudahy because ensures that the city gets its fair share of government assistance money to help its residents. Whether you are a U.S. Citizen or not, it is important that you participate in the Census! It's safe and can only help you! By law, the Census Bureau is not allowed to share your answers or information with anyone, including Federal, State and local agencies (such as immigration agencies like ICE). The Census only counts the number of people that live in the United States. If you have questions or concerns about the 2010 Census, call the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund at 213-629-2512.

The U.S. Census Bureau is recruiting temporary, part-time census takers for the 2010 Census. These short-term jobs offer good pay, flexible hours, paid training, and reimbursement for authorized work-related expenses, such as mileage incurred while conducting census work. Best of all, census takers work right in their own communities. Census taker jobs are excellent for people who want to work part-time, those who are between jobs, or just about anyone who wants to earn extra money while performing an important service for their community.

From January to March 31, 2010, the OTTP (Occupational Therapy Training Program) is coordinating a Youth Employment Program that will pay for 120 hours of job training for young adults, ages 18-24, that are out of school and live in Cudahy, Bell Gardens, Huntington Park, Lynwood or South Gate. Applications should be submitted AS SOON AS POSSIBLE via fax at 310-323-1570 or online at www.ottp.org. For more information, please contact Marion Pate, SYEP Coordinator at 310-323-6887 x256 or via email at mpate@ottp.org.

Despite the recent rain, overall we are still experiencing record-setting drought conditions. We have a limited water supply and are down to our reserves. During heavy rains, not all the water can be collected because the ground becomes saturated and the water runs off to flood channels and the sea. It's easy to save water and it will help keep your bills lower! Water saving tips:

• Turn off the water when you brush your teeth.
• Shorten your shower by just 2 minutes.
• Fix leaky facets (it’s easy and can save $$$).
• When doing the laundry, only wash when you have full loads.
• If you have sprinklers, set them to run for shorter times and before 8 a.m. (get a "Smart" sprinkler controller).
• Sweep your driveways and outside areas – don’t use the hose!
• Fix broken sprinklers and make sure they are pointed in the right direction.

For generations of Cudahy families, Emerita "Emi" Elizondo has been the special person at school who makes a difference. Her work as the Assistant Principal at Elizabeth Learning Center and as the Director of the campus’ Family Center has helped countless families overcome challenges and become thriving members of our communities.

This summer, Emi decided to retire and, while everyone is sad that she will no longer be a daily fixture at ELC, everyone is also very happy for her because she has worked so hard and put all her heart and soul into Cudahy.

For all her great work – and for being a great friend and mentor to both children and adults – the Cudahy City Council recognized her achievements recently with a plaque and speeches at Clara Park's Turner Hall. Students came out to sing and clap for Emi and everyone has a great story how Emi made their life better.

"I know I'm too young to retire, right?" Emi asked the audience. "There are so many things I will miss, but you know I will always be a part of Cudahy and Cudahy will always be a part of me", said Emi. "I may be retiring, but I'll find ways to still be here helping and seeing all of you'.

As we age, our ability to adequately respond to summer heat can become a serious problem. Cudahy would like to share the advice from National Institutes of Health for helping older people avoid heat-related illnesses during the summer months.

Hyperthermia can include heat stroke, heat fatigue, heat syncope (sudden dizziness after exercising in the heat), heat cramps and heat exhaustion. Someone with a body temperature above 104 degrees is likely suffering from heat stroke and may have symptoms of confusion, combativeness, strong rapid pulse, lack of sweating, dry flushed skin, faintness, staggering, possible delirium or coma. Seek immediate medical attention for a person with any of these symptoms, especially an older adult.

Lifestyle factors can also increase risk, including extremely hot living quarters, lack of transportation, overdressing, visiting overcrowded places and not understanding how to respond to weather conditions.

Older people, particularly those at special risk, should stay indoors on particularly hot and humid days, especially when there is an air pollution alert in effect.

People without fans or air conditioners should go to places such as shopping malls, movie theaters, libraries or cooling centers, which are often provided by government agencies, religious groups, and social service organizations in many communities.

If you suspect that someone is suffering from a heat-related illness:

• Get the person out of the sun and into an air-conditioned or other cool place.
• Offer fluids such as water, fruit and vegetable juices, but avoid alcohol and caffeine.
• Encourage the individual to shower, bathe or sponge off with cool water.
• Apply a cold, wet cloth to the wrists, neck, armpits, and/or groin, places where blood passes close to the surface and the cold cloths can help cool the blood.
• Urge the person to lie down and rest, preferably in a cool place.

For a free copy of the NIA's Age Page on hyperthermia in English or in Spanish, contact the NIA Information Center at 1-800-222-2225 or go to www.niapublications.org/agepages/hyperther.asp or www.niapublications.org/agepages/hyperther-sp.asp for the Spanish-language version.

Cudahy's Manuel Buenrostro selected by La Opinión and Univision as part of the Cadena Buena Gente (Chain of Good People).

Read more (English)» Read more (Spanish)»

Cudahy resident Maria Young was named 2009 “Women of the Year” by Assemblymember Hector De La Torre (D-South Gate) for the 50th Assembly District. The award is given annually to recognize women that have made significant contributions to their communities.

"Mrs. Young is an outstanding example of volunteerism. For over 9 years, she has given her time to participate at the Elizabeth Learning Center", said Cudahy Mayor David Silva. "Maria also volunteers at the food distribution and has been a vital part of our community as a community health worker as well. She leads by example, and we are delighted that the Assemblymember recognized her contributions to our community".

Volunteerism is not just a community service for Mrs. Young, it is a way to connect with her children and the community. She has volunteered to work with the family center, food distribution, the annual Thanksgiving Turkey giveaway and at toy drives. She also has worked as a Promotora for a local hospital to teach the community how to lead healthier lives for themselves and their families.

"You know I started volunteering at Elizabeth Learning Center since my daughter (Melissa) was in Head Start", said Mrs. Young. "I was nervous when I first volunteered, but they told me I could come every month. I found out that I love working in volunteer programs because I like working with people".

Cudahy voters passed Measure R on March 3, 2009, an ordinance that will reduce the tax rate from 4% to 3.75% on the residential Telecommunications Utility Users Tax. Also, the measure will modernize this tax code to reflect changes in federal law and make it law that all taxpayers in Cudahy will be treated equally regardless of the telecommunications technology they choose or use.

Here is more information you may want to know about Measure R:

1. The new tax level cannot be increased in the future without voter approval.
2. The ordinance will update the law’s definition of telecommunications to be technology-neutral, and includes the use of internet protocol voice services (also referred to as VoIP), paging, and private networks for providing these services, except where it is not allowed because of federal statute.
3. The revenues from this tax represent about 10% of the Cudahy general fund.

Overall, Measure R has two important effects:

1. A tax reduction for residential telecommunications.
2. Protection of funding for services such as police, parks and recreation, and seniors programs.

A three-year project will help approximately 3,200 residents of Los Angeles County's southeast cities get ahead with high-speed broadband Internet access and education

CUDAHY, CALIFORNIA, PRNewswire-The California Emerging Technology Fund (CETF) is presenting grant awards of $476,000 and $301,000 respectively to the Southeast Cities Technology Collaborative for a three-year initiative to close the growing Digital Divide among residents in the southeast cities of Los Angeles County. A press conference to announce the grants was held on Sept. 11, 2008, and was attended by Michael Peevey, president of the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) and chairman of CETF, Ronald Garcia, president of the Southeast Community Development Corporation (SCDC), Leonis Malburg, mayor of Vernon, former State Senator Martha Escutia, and Leticia Chacon, associate director of Human Services Association (HSA) Bell Gardens.

"We're pleased to support the southeast community of Los Angeles County," said Michael Peevey, president of the CPUC and chairman of CETF. "Investing in high-speed Internet access will encourage the social, educational and economic advancement and help community residents get ahead. We think that the Southeast Cities Technology Collaborative will be a model for other regions to replicate."

Although adoption of high-speed broadband Internet technology is steadily increasing across the nation and within California, many underserved populations exist without Internet access. Almost all adults with household incomes above $80,000 use computers (94 percent) and the Internet (92 percent), while those with household incomes under $40,000 are far less likely to use either computers (58 percent) or the Internet (49 percent), according to the Public Policy Institute of California. Three in four Californians (75%) report that they use a computer at home, work or school, and 70 percent use the Internet. Latinos lag far behind other groups with only 58 percent using computers and 48 percent using the Internet.

A recent study conducted by the University of California in Berkeley has shown that residents of the southeast cities, including the communities of Bell, Bell Gardens, Cudahy, Huntington Park, Maywood, South Gate, Vernon and Walnut Park / Florence-Firestone, are largely disconnected from the Internet due to the lack of broad public access to computers, technical assistance and computer literacy education. This reality, referred to as the Digital Divide, is a concern for California's future global competitiveness.

In order to bridge the Digital Divide, the Southeast Cities Technology Collaborative will conduct a three-year technology initiative in these communities to develop strong pathways for improving educational and health outcomes by expanding community broadband access, implementing a comprehensive computer literacy program and enhancing existing community service programs throughout the region.

"We're grateful for this opportunity to advance our community," said Ronald Garcia, president of the Southeast Community Development Corporation (SCDC). "For California to be a global leader in broadband, there must be a broader and deeper understanding among California policymakers, civic leaders and consumers of how broadband technology can improve quality of life, enhance economic prosperity and help reduce impacts on the environment."

This project is the first of many initiatives beginning statewide that will help underserved communities and populations get ahead by closing the Digital Divide through the use of high-speed Internet access and education. CETF's overall goal is to make a substantial and measurable impact on bridging California's Digital Divide in rural areas, urban disadvantaged neighborhoods, and among people with disabilities. Achieving this goal will require both the availability of broadband technology as well as the ability to access and use it.

The Southeast Cities Technology Collaborative will serve at least 1,700 residents, plus 500 students with the adult education training programs, and 1,000 children/youth over a three-year period. The Collaborative will develop eight Regional Technology Centers in eight communities by strategically locating 80 computer workstations in community facilities, providing space and staff members to enhance early learning skills for children, math and science skills for youth, career and workforce development and financial literacy skills for adults. A total of 500 adult students that successfully complete a three-month computer literacy class will receive a free refurbished computer and two years of free AT&T DSL service.

A mobile computer lab with 15 laptops and a projector will be established to provide life-skills, health awareness and job development classes at on-site locations that want to offer classes yet cannot accommodate a learning center. The Collaborative will partner with East Los Angeles Community College (South Gate Branch), Southwest Community College and Huntington Park-Bell Adult School and will refer students for advanced classes.

About the California Emerging Technology Fund (CETF)

The mission of the California Emerging Technology Fund (CETF) is to close the Digital Divide and ensure that California is a global leader in the use of broadband technology (high-speed access to the Internet). The California Public Utilities Commission directed the establishment of CETF in approving the mergers of SBC-AT&T and Verizon-MCI in 2005. AT&T and Verizon are contributing a total of $60 million in seed capital to advance broadband deployment and adoption. CETF is a non-profit public-benefit corporation. For more information, please visit http://www.cetfund.org or call (415) 744-CETF.

About the Southeast Community Development (SCDC)

The Southeast Community Development Corporation is a nonprofit organization focused on improving the economic, social, and educational development of the residents of Southeast area of Los Angeles County. For more information, please visit http://www.scdcorp.org or call (323) 585-4579.

Cudahy welcomes the new principal of the Elizabeth Learning Center, Mr. Michael Perez to our city. Mr. Perez may be the newest member of the Cudahy education community, but he’s been a dedicated educator for 33 years. With a bachelor’s degree in History and Mexican-American studies and a Masters in School Administration, Perez comes with exceptional credentials for the challenges at the Elizabeth Learning Center. Perez is no stranger to the Southeast cities, having served as principal of South Gate High School from 2001 to 2006. For the last two years, Mr. Perez has served as Director of Secondary School Services for Local District 6. Other highlights of his career include Principal of Gardena High School, Assistant Principal of David Starr Jordan

Mr. Michael Pérez brings a wealth of experience and expertise to his new position as the Principal of the Elizabeth Learning Center.

Cudahy cares about its citizens and has embarked on a year-long effort to empower residents to live healthier lives. ¡SALUD AHORA! HEALTH NOW! is our initiative encouraging healthy choices for Cudahy residents.

Just this August, ¡SALUD AHORA! HEALTH NOW! was kicked off at our monthly food distribution with a health fair and cooking demonstration coaching residents on healthier lifestyle alternatives.

Nationally recognized celebrity chefs Jaime Martin del Campo and Ramiro Arvizu of La Casita Mexicana restaurant volunteered their time to teach Cudahy how to prepare healthier meals. I want to extend Cudahy's thanks and my personal gratitude to Jaime and Ramiro for supporting our efforts.

As part of ¡SALUD AHORA! HEALTH NOW! Cudahy is linking its park and recreation programs to the initiative, including the new Basketball Courts and Urban Bike Path at Cudahy Park. And don't forget the Lugo Park Fitness Center is available for workouts Monday through Friday 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., 3:00p.m.to 9:00 p.m. and Saturdays 9:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

A new element in our network of parks and bike paths will be a "pocket park" located at the corner of Clara Street and River Drive (entrance to the Riverfront Bike Path). This new park is expected to open at the end of the year, and will feature native, drought resistant plants.

Another aspect of healthy living is having sound financial health. To help residents during these financially difficult times, Cudahy is planning a half-day workshop on Saturday, November 15th focusing on how to avoid foreclosure and buy a house, save money, repair your credit, and start a business.

The event is scheduled from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon at the Elizabeth Learning Center.

Cudahy is focused on improving our infrastructure of our streets and sidewalks. You may have noticed the city just completed refurbishment on Live Oak Street. We resurfaced the street and added new curbs and gutters. You will also notice that Atlantic is getting a facelift. The center median is receiving improvements that will be completed by late December. Cudahy has established some wonderful holiday traditions, and we are proud to continue.

We begin the season with our annual Turkey Give-Away at the monthly food distribution in November and then Holiday Hams in December. Please note a change in Food Distribution dates to accommodate the holidays to November 20th and December18th. Our successful Town Hall meetings are also moved for the holidays to November 19th and December 17th.

We wish you and your family well during the Holidays, and invite you to visit us at City Hall for any assistance. We are here for you!

Cudahy and School District Break Ground on South Region Elementary School #3 and Early Education Center #1 The major of Cudahy joined the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) Board Member Yolie Flores Aguilar in breaking ground on South Region Elementary School #3 and Early Education Center #1. "We are here because LAUSD and the community had a dream that students within the Southeast Cities could attend a school in their community on a single-track calendar,” Board Member Flores Aguilar said. “As someone who attended school in the Southeast area, it is a pleasure to celebrate the construction of a new school for the children of Cudahy". South Region Elementary #3 and Early Education Center

Mr. Michael Pérez brings a wealth of experience and expertise to his new position as the Principal of the Elizabeth Learning Center.

Hundreds receive Health Screenings and Watch Cooking Demonstration Leading the charge for better health in our community, the City of Cudahy kicked off a year-long healthy city initiative in August before a crowd of over 300 people. The initiative ¡Salud Ahora! Health NOW! is Cudahy’s healthy city initiative that emphasizes access, screenings, nutrition & exercise. The kick-off event was held in conjunction with the monthly Cudahy Food Distribution at Clara Street Park. ¡Salud Ahora! Health NOW! is Cudahy's effort to address obesity, diabetes, and heart-related conditions that have reached epidemic proportions in the U.S. and are disproportionally affecting Latino communities due to lack of access and education.  Turner Hall Community Center and the Gymnasium were filled to capacity as seniors,

Celebrity chefs Jamie Martin del Campo & Ramiro Arvizu of La Casita Mexicana demonstrate healthy cooking to Cudahy residents.

You may not want to see him in your rearview mirror, but you're glad he's watching the other guy. Officer Lawrence Mesa is probably the most popular traffic cop you will ever see. Most people don’t like getting speeding tickets, but Officer Mesa is a hero to Cudahy Residents because he keeps our streets safe for kids, seniors, and adults. Formerly an Army Infantryman, Mesa has been a police officer for seven years and a Cudahy officer for three years. Oficially, he's a "motor officer" and enforces traffic safety laws and investigates minor to serious traffic accidents. "My main goal is to eliminate or minimize the severity of accidents," says Mesa, "traffic accidents change lives forever... you can't put a price on human life." Officer Mesa is a member of the Maywood-Cudahy police

Traffic Officer Mesa is a role model to children and a friend to Cudahy residents.